Editorial

What's the difference between adoption and foster caring?
With adoption, legal ties to the birth parents are cut and all parental rights and responsibilities pass to the adoptive parents. The child becomes a full member of the family and has the same rights as any natural child would enjoy.

With fostering, parental responsibility usually stays with the birth parents, unless a court order is made so it's shared with the local authority. In many cases, children are fostered only for a short time, before they return to their family or are adopted.

What are the different types of fostering?
There are many types of fostering, which may suit your individual experience, skills and personal circumstances. These include emergency, short term, long term, short break and kinship fostering. Simply Fostering web site has detailed information.

Is it difficult to adopt a baby?
Many people who enquire about adoption are unable to have their own children and wish to adopt a baby or very young child. Very few babies come up for adoption. However, there are many toddlers and young children - often with a brother or sister - who are looking for new families.

Adoption/fostering agencies
How can I find my local adoption or foster care agency?
The web site www.simplyfostering can provide details of your nearest fostering and adoption agency, Simply Fostering also helps you to apply to become a carer.

What's the difference between local authority and independent adoption and fostering agencies?
All children who are waiting to be adopted or fostered are in the care of their local authority. You can apply through the local authority or through a voluntary, or independent, agency.

Are foster carers paid?
All foster carers receive an allowance to cover the cost of caring for a child in their home. Some agencies also pay their foster carers a fee.

Foster carers don't have to pay tax on any income from fostering, up to a limit of £10,000 a year plus allowances

If I start foster caring, will I have to give up my job?
In most cases, foster care agencies prefer to place children in families where one adult is home enough of the time to meet their needs. What's required will depend on the child's age and whether they've started school. Different types of fostering also place different demands on time and commitment.

Are all foster children badly behaved?
Children who need foster care or adoption have often had a difficult start in life and may have little reason to trust adults. They may show their distrust and distress in many ways, including 'naughty' behaviour, nightmares, or being quiet and withdrawn.

As part of the adoption and fostering process, you'll be taught strategies for dealing with any challenging behaviour. The emotional issues assessment tool will help you think about the skills and experience you may need to draw on.

Is it difficult to adopt a baby?
Many people who enquire
about adoption are unable
to have their own children
and wish to adopt a baby
or very young child.

Very few babies come up
for adoption.

However, there are many
toddlers and young children
often with a brother or sister
who are looking for new
families.

Can I adopt or foster a child close to the age of my own child?
It may seem a good idea to take on a child who's close in age to another child in your household, but agencies have found this often doesn't work. In many cases, it's simply too much for either child to cope with because they need to feel secure with their position in the family and have their own space.